2017 Chevrolet Volt: engine overheating

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

Several years ago, when I was driving the vehicle, I got a sudden "reduced propulsion alert" and the onboard coolant temperature gauge showed a significant spike in temperature. To avoid overheating, I had to pull over on the side of the highway. In the onboard fuse box, there was a blown F3 fuse. I replaced the fuse and the same issue happened again last year. After some online research, it is clear that the EGR valve failed. Unplugging the valve and replacing the fuse has returned the vehicle to normal operations, but it's now out of compliance with local emissions regulations. GM has failed to properly produce replacement parts. As of Feb 11, 2026, a local GM dealer in Bloomington, IN quoted a backorder and unclear wait time on a replacement part and quoted me at $2,000+ just for the part. If not for my quick thinking, this part failure could have overheated my vehicle causing extensive damages. GM has failed to produce enough replacement parts and given the safety issues associated with a blown fuse and overheating, the federal safety agency should order a recall on this part and force GM to replace the parts for owners. This is a widespread problem documented among Volt owners, and the only stopgap issue is to drive the vehicle out of compliance with local emissions rules.

Filed Feb 14, 2025 · Fuel system · FL

The EGR Valve and EGR Cooler went out on the vehicle while driving on the highway, causing my propolsion power to decrease or rendered unusable. This also caused inconsistent engine pressure and caused my engine to overheat, having to pull over multiple times while driving. The problem has been diagnosed by a Chevorlet certified repair center. There were no warning lamps or messages until the problem began abrubtly while driving.

Filed Dec 2, 2024 · Engine · FL

Vehicle went to low power mode on the interstate (I4) and was unable to drive at normal safe speeds. Engine overheated and would not allow vehicle to drive over about 10 mph, had to drive slowly on interstate until I could pull off safely to let it cool and get towed home. Technicians verified it is the known EGR valve issue, which happens often and isnt covered under any warranty. From research online this is a common problem that strands people in Volts and GM wont fix and cant even get more parts for to repair vehicle. Can leave people with sudden power loss while driving and limit driving speeds to unsafe levels unexpectedly.

Filed Sep 9, 2024 · Engine · MN

Component or System Malfunction: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve in my Chevy Volt failed, causing a complete loss of vehicle power and potentially leading to engine overheating. This malfunction has been widely reported among other Chevy Volt owners, and the EGR valve has been improperly designed. The part is not available for replacement, making it impossible to fix the issue, even though Chevy lists the cost at $3,000 to $4,000. See [XXX] as a sampling of people experiencing the problem. Safety Risks: The failure of the EGR valve puts both my safety and the safety of others at serious risk, as the sudden loss of power could result in accidents, especially when driving at higher speeds or in heavy traffic. Additionally, the potential for engine overheating increases the risk of further damage or even fire. Problem Confirmation: This problem has been reproduced and confirmed by my local dealer, who informed me that replacement parts have been back-ordered since April, with no estimated delivery date available. Many other customers are experiencing the same issue and have also been unable to obtain the necessary parts. Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, but no solution has been provided due to the lack of available replacement parts from the manufacturer. The manufacturer has not offered a viable timeline or alternative resolution. Warning Signs: Prior to the failure, I experienced warning lights related to engine performance. These warning messages first appeared in April, signaling an issue with the EGR valve. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 8, 2024 · MT

The EGR valve in my Volt suddenly failed with NO warning while driving 70 mph on the highway. I had to pull over before the engine overheated and I stopped on the side of interstate in a very tight shoulder on a curve with traffic and semi trucks passing by very closely. I’ve now been waiting over one year for repair as Chevrolet is unable to make this part for a repair that is still covered under warranty. Very disappointed and I hope this report will help push a larger message through that Chevrolet is being irresponsible with making parts for the needed warranty repairs.

Filed Aug 7, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · MA

While driving my 2017 Chevy Volt on the highway, a “Propulsion power is reduced” message appeared accompanied by the CEL. Prior to this there had been no indication that anything was wrong. The warning was quite vague and it wasn’t at all clear what it actually meant so I continued driving. Shortly after this, I began to notice a bit of a “chuggle” or lurching sensation (particularly on hills). This made the acceleration slightly unpredictable, and at one point even triggered the forward collision warning when the car accelerated a bit after I took my foot off the gas pedal (coming up behind another car at a traffic light). I pulled over and attempted to figure out what the issue was. I had a notice regarding the BECM recall in my glove box which listed a reduced power mode as a potential symptom, so I scheduled a service appointment (figuring it was that) and continued my trip. I stopped to get gas, then a mile or two down the road the engine overheated and shut off. By sheer luck I had a few miles of range left in electric mode which allowed me to pull over safely, but I was now stranded over 100 miles from home. I managed to get the vehicle to a dealership in Danvers, MA where they diagnosed the problem as a failed EGR valve. My understanding is this is related to a defect in the valve electronics.The valve failed and blew the F3 fuse, which also supplies power to the engine cooling system. It doesn’t take long for the engine to overheat and it seems this can lead to a complete loss of power while driving when the electric range is already depleted. The valve is currently unplugged while I await a replacement but there is no word on how long that might be. Other Volt owners have had to wait months or even years to get a new valve. The repair quote I received is also unreasonably expensive (> $4,000). I failed my state emissions inspection and am in the process of applying for a waiver. Given how common this is, I'm surprised this isn't already a recall.

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · MI

The EGR valve had an electrical short, causing the 15A F03 fuse to blow. This causes a "reduced propulsion" message to appear and also causes the vehicle to start overheating. The faulty EGR valve is available for inspection. This failure occurred while we were on the interstate driving 70mph. We were also at least an hour from home/family. The EGR valve short is a known problem with Gen 2 Chevy Volts. Online message boards are filled with posts about this issue. The vehicle was inspected by a Chevy dealership (we had to have it towed). However, the EGR valve is on national backorder with no ETA on when they would be available again. We are currently driving the car with the valve unplugged. However, this causes the engine to run less efficiently and at higher temperatures, so we cannot run it for long periods of time. There were no warnings before the problem occurred, it just suddenly happened while we were driving on the interstate. Luckily we were near an off ramp and a hotel; since the problem occurred on Easter weekend, there weren't any dealerships open.

Filed Jun 5, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

While driving down the highway a "reduced propulsion" message appeared on the dashboard and the drive became very rough if speed changed, also the engine temperature increased but it did not overheat before we could stop. This was diagnosed as an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve failure. I spoke to multiple dealers and did research online as well and this is a very common issue on this vehicle. So common that the part is impossible to get and has an eight month wait which means I cannot drive my vehicle. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? EGR Valve How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My car had reduced propulsion, engine temperature increased and it suddenly lost speed quickly on highway when my foot was removed from gas pedal. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, Chevrolet is aware of this issue and say we just have to wait 8 months for the part. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No pre-warning a "reduced propulsion" message and a check engine light turned on at the time of the EGR valve failure.

Filed Apr 19, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · IN

My service engine light came on. After that happened, my engine started to get hot. It got up to 230degF, received a reduced propulsion message and wanted to shut down when going 70mph on the interstate (depended on the construction). Quick reaction on my side before the engine shut down I had "held" the battery (which i do for long trips to ensure options in event of emergencies). Meaning i still had energy in the battery that could be used to propel the vehicle. I was able to shut down the engine by unholding the battery before losing control of the vehicle due to no propulsion. The electric propulsion took over and I could get off the freeway. Conditions were: I was driving in a rain storm on a very busy interstate around Eau Claire wisconsin right around 5-6pm with lots of road construction. If I would have lost the engine and power, I would have crashed at a high rate of speed. I would have lost steering, windshield wipers and headlights. Investigation showed that fuse F03 (walk home fuse) was blown. Further investigation showed that the EGR Valve circuitry was causing this failure. After unplugging EGR valve and replacing the fuse, engine was able to run and not overheat. Plug the EGR valve back in and the fuse blows again This is a well known issue on these vehicles and has been around since 2019-2020. Lots of data and information available on this issue on the internet. To make the issue worse. No parts are available for replacing this faulty valve at the moment. Only 6 valves available in the whole USA with those promised to other customers (i Called the dealers). Additionally there are more vehicles waiting for these valves.. Vehicle goes to the shop on [XXX] for confirmation of issue and get on a waiting list for the EGR Valve. I can't believe this is allowed to continue with GM. THis needs to be fixed!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 21, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · IN

On 2/11/23, our 2017 Chevrolet Volt displayed a check engine light and the engine started to overheat, as determined by the driver from the dash coolant temperate display, while driving down the interstate after 1 hour of driving. The car was pulled over to the side of the road and towed home. Upon inspection of the Chevy Volt later, the F03 15 amp mini-fuse(referred to as non-walk home fuse) in the main engine fuse block had blown, which had likely caused the electronically controlled thermostat to close and the engine to quickly overheat, due to lack of coolant. The reason why the F03 15 amp mini-fuse blew is because the control board for the EGR valve catastrophically failed and overloaded the fuse of this important shared electrical circuit. The electronic thermostat is part of this shared circuit, in addition to the EGR valve and possibly other important vehicle functions. I consider this cascade of electronic and engine/cooling failures to be a safety issue for the driver, in addition to being a poor design. As GM doesn't currently have any replacement EGR valves for our 2017 Chevy Volt, which includes the EGR valve control board, we are forced to disconnect the EGR valve from the vehicle and replace the F03 15 amp mini-fuse, in order to make the car drivable. This is contributing to increased vehicle emissions and reduced vehicle efficiency. In locations with emissions inspections, this EGR valve parts shortage results in the vehicle failing inspection and being made undrivable. I think the federal safety agency should force GM to recall any 2nd generation Chevrolet Volt vehicles that have this defective EGR valve/control board, due to its cascading effect on the safe operation of the Volt.

Filed Jan 4, 2024 · Fuel system · GA

EGR valve failed on [XXX] southbound near Cartersville, GA. Initially, the engine showed a Check Engine light, and showed a message that "Propulsion power had been reduced". Approxmately 60 seconds later before we could reach an exit, the engine shut off while driving at 60 MPH. Had to coast/navigate over two lanes while the car was slowing to make it to the shoulder, and was stuck on the shoulder while the engine cooled down enough to leave the shoulder. Jim Ellis Chevrolet confirmed the failed EGR valve, but have so far been able to reproduce the overheating in the shop. Replacing the EGR valve is estimated at $1100, with GM providing a $250 warranty assistance. I have confirmed with other Volt owners that this is a very common issue which affects all GM Volt 2 cars manufactured between 2016 and 2019. Enough of the EGR valves have failed that the part is in short supply with possible wait times of over 6 months. The EGR Valve is part of the emissions system. However, the problem appears to be (unconfirmed) a manufacturing defect in the control board for the valve. This fails, causing the engine block F3 fuse to blow. This fuse also powers the engine coolant pump, which is what takes this from an emissions problem to a safety problem--which can cause the car to shut down suddenly. References to the issue online: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] The issue has been confirmed the issue with this service bulletin: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 7, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CA

When I first purchased the car (used around 30,000 miles), I began to have electrical and propulsion issues where the engine would turn off. After Chevy refused to warranty or lemon the car, eventually the electrical/hybrid issue repeated and caused cooling issues with the car and then water pump went bad. while chevy still refused to fix the hybrid and battery issues, that continued issue and then the water pump failing from it then caused overheating that then broke the head gasket